My girlfriend and I had a great Sunday planned; first we'd do brunch at the Nicollet Island Inn at 11:30 (with reservations, of course), followed by a play at the Guthrie at 1:00. \r
We were not aware that the NIIR had swapped out their buffet (meats, cheeses, omelettes, veggies, etc.) for a 5-course ensamble. This was 'our bad'; if we'd looked online at their menu we'd have seen it.\r
At any rate, we got there on time, were seated promptly next to a window that faces the little bridge by E Island Ave. The hostess drew open the blinds, which immediately brought into focus 5 or 6 box elder insects. 3 of the little suckers were on the inside. (By the way, we continued to be pestered by them throughout the meal - I had one on my collar). \r
We had very slow service throughout the meal. A summary:\r
1st - I ordered a mimosa - it was good. Laurie ordered a bloody mary. They apparently ran out of tall glasses; her drink came in a low-ball glass. The flavor was ordinary, and the drink was watered down. She also ordered herbal tea - for which the restaurant charged an extra $3.00.\r
My 2nd course was the egg and sausage bake - this sorry entree appeared to have been constructed maybe 2 hours earlier - it was dry and hard. \r
3rd course was decent - pecorino stuffed risotto. But it took a long time between courses, and I had to ask to have my coffee cup refilled.\r
4th course - glazed meatloaf - suffered similar to the egg/sausage bake - I think they pre-build plates, and store them until needed. The meatloaf was dry and hard on the top. The potatoes and brussel sprout leaves were good, however. \r
We were running out of time - at 12:30 we told our waitress we wanted dessert to go.. Fine.\r
At 12:48 I informed her that our play started in 12 minutes. At that point, she started getting our check and the dessert.\r
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Bottom line - we were late to the Guthrie, after expensive lousy food, and had to wait in the foyer for the 1st 30 minutes of the play.
Pros: nice view
Cons: too expensive for the quality, slow service, insects
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